Thanks

The countdown is on!

We leave in 5 days.  We meet our son in 9 days.  My life will never be the same.

I'm so full of emotions right now.  Of course, PMS doesn't really help the situation either, but I digress...

I'm excited one moment.  Terrified the next.  Packing and cleaning like a wild-woman then sitting in shock wanting to crawl in bed. I can't stay on task to save my life!  I've had several of my friends who have been through this crazy adoption journey tell me all of these feelings are totally normal and expected.   *whew*  I'm normal for once in my life.

Stop laughing.  It's not funny.

Speaking of funny, yesterday, I went to the pharmacy to get a refill on all of our daily meds (allergy stuff etc).  The pharmacist accidentally gave me an Rx of Prozac, which I quickly noticed and promptly returned.   I couldn't help but think:  Is this a sign?    To avoid crying, I giggled the whole way home at God's sense of humor.

We have the house almost as clean as it was when we moved in (what a great feeling!), most of the luggage packed, and 95% of my 2-page pre-travel to-do list checked off.  I have all of my October filled with catalog shows while I'm my "maternity" leave, got my November cooking show calendar completely filled, and most of my December full, as well.     I have all of our house sitters and bloggers lined up, prayer warriors secured, and 6 freezer meals put up for the worst days of our jet-lag.   Yup, that's a big "S" you see on on my cape, thank-you-very-much. 

Today, I wanted to say "THANKS".   There are so, SO many friends, family and strangers that have helped to bring Liam home and so many that were beyond supportive of our journey right from the start. We are thankful for EVERYONE who has been there for us, please know that!   But for today,  I wanted to call a few of them out by name.

To my wonderful in-laws, for embracing their new grandson from the get-go and for the incredible spaghetti dinner/fundraiser they so generously gave!  To Stacy, the girl I met years ago at a PC show that has become my BFF through this up and down roller coaster, I couldn't make it without her!  To new friends like the Harris family, for their generous donation of Liam's mattress, endless fun times over trivia & frozen yogurt and their unconditional love!  To the Curry family, for their companionship during the especially difficult times and "garden therapy" to keep my mind off the waiting!  To the Mook family, for the wonderfully thoughtful baby shower and fundraiser!  To our Sunday School class, for the sweet baby shower, car wash, and endless prayers! To the Schindler family for that memorable lunch at Mi Casita's last November, and for the 1,000 answers to my many questions over the months!   To the Epperly family for chit chats over coffee, continual encouragement and their zealous love for our Zeus. To the amazing, selfless people who donated some money no matter how big or small toward our adoption-expenses.  To my rockin' Pampered Chef hosts who booked shows to help boost my calendar to off-set the travel expenses and my Pampered Chef team, for their  incredible support and unending patience as I transition into a new role. To all of the friends who participated in our many out-of-my-comfort-zone fundraisers.   To those of you who have followed our journey via this blog whether silently or with words of hope, love, encouragement and prayers.   We are so blessed and so very, very thankful. 

Most of all, to my hubby and best friend, Joe.  Thanks for listening to God's call to adopt and for humbly persuing it.  Thank you for bearing with me during the sometimes crazy psychotic ups and downs and multiple papercuts.    You've rubbed my back for hours until I could fall asleep when my mind wouldn't shut off.   You ran to Kroger at midnight to get me Cocoa Puffs because I was having paper-pregnant "cravings".    You laughed with me at inappropriate jokes when the stress was unbearable and cried with me when we were at the end of our rope.   You're an incredible dad, a man of integrity, and a humble servant of Christ.   You're gonna look pretty fabulous throwing a ball around the backyard with your new son while your daughters try to paint your toenails!

For now, I'll leave you with a photo of Liam's bedroom.  We finally have it all ready!  We're coming to get you, little man!    Soon! 

Letter to Liam - Part 2

Dear Liam,

I'm still working on getting that sleep that I said I was planning on getting in my last letter.  There is just SO much to do before you come home!    I go-go-go all day long and spin like a top until I put my head on the pillow and then - POOF!   The top falls over and I'm out like a light.   And truly the real exhaustion hasn't even begun yet.  I sure hope you like to nap as much as I do!  

So, back to what I was saying.  You have 2 pretty fabulous big sisters here waiting for you.  They're coming to China to meet you first hand!   A little more about them:   Madelyn (Maddie) is 11 years old and she just began her first year of middle school.    She's very creative and she loves art, singing, writing fictional stories..but her favorite thing is reading!  She'll get lost in a book for hours!   You'll never miss a bedtime story with that girl around!  She loves to make people laugh and loves to help those in need.  She has super duper gigantic heart and a desire to love and be loved by everyone.  She knows how to be a good friend!   The girl can not walk on a flat surface without tripping over her own feet, however, she'll wow you everytime with her incredible knowledge of world records and knock-knock jokes.  Her heart bleeds for those that are less fortunate and she has a real soft spot for all animals. If you want to torture her, just throw a spider in her direction.   It will literally make her fall to pieces and make her scream louder than I thought was humanly possible.  That girl loves fancy-schmancy dresses and glittery bling. Maddie is one of the most happy-go-lucky, forgiving people I've ever met.  As her baby brother, I can promise that she'll drive you crazy "bossing" you around at times, but honestly she's just trying to help. (I see a career in management in her future!)  Maddie's always been my big helper.   She's had lots of experience being a big sister and I have a feeling she's gonna enjoy being the responsible big kid of the family that you look up to.

Big Sisters, Madelyn & Audrey

On the other hand, we have our very-passionate, strong-willed big sister, Audrey.  She's 8 years old and in 3rd grade.  She's the most animated person I've ever seen and wears her emotions on her sleeve at all times.    She is absolutely in love with any baby she meets and seriously can't wait to get her hands on you!  You've probably never seen a girl catch a butterfly like she can!  She's been known to bust out to rock music at the drop of a hat.  Audrey is the most indecisive person on earth, as it will take her (literally) 15+ minutes to decide what kind of yogurt to buy at the grocery store.   She'll spend part of her day in her best dress and high heels rolling her baby dolls around the house in their stroller and then happily spend the rest of the day in that same dress digging in the dirt, exploring nature, and playing with bugs.( I see a career in science for that kid!)  No matter what temperature it is outside, she'll prefer to go barefoot; she firmly believes that socks are her enemy.   Audrey is one of the most compassionate people I know and she'll be the one that will probably kiss your boo-boos and nurture you along the way, sort of like another Momma.     At the same time, if you're looking for a partner in crime, she'll be there for ya but will  deny having any part of it.  " No work and all play"  would be her motto if she had one.  Hands down, Audrey knows how to give the Best. Hugs. Ever!

Oh, and then there's Zeus.  He's your dog!    Zeus is a big ol' goofy overly EXUBERANT chocolate labrador retriever that we rescued from the pound a couple of years ago.  We've heard rumors about dogs in China.....but we won't go there today. Let's just say chocolate doesn't describe his flavor! ( He easily weighs over 2x your size, but he is the most gentle, loving doggie you'll ever know.   No matter what kind of day you've had, he'll greet you at the door with a smile...seriously...he smiles!   Just trust me on that!   You just have to see it for yourself!    He will TOTALLY flip out when you get his leash out to take him for a walk.   He loves playing frisbee and soccer in the back yard with the girls.    He'll happily let you climb all over him all day and then he'll curl up with you in front of the fireplace on a cold winter's night.   Zeus will be one of your first best friends.

Zeus!

Last but not least, there are SOOOO many people here that already love you and have been preparing for you with anticipation and excitement.  Friends and family have been praying for you,  helping us with many fundraisers,  donating their time and money to bring you here,  given us baby showers to prepare for you and offered to take care of things while we're in China meeting you.  These folks have cried with us, laughed with us, and anxiously counted down the days with us.    Each of these incredible "angels" know who they are ~  I know who they are ~ and I will never, ever forget all they have done!   You may have been "Made in China", but you are certainly loved so much here in America. 

I keep reminding myself that God made you just the way you are. His creation is amazing!  Your finding date was over a week past your estimated date of birth, which makes me think that your birth mom had a really hard time letting you go.  I can't imagine the courage and feelings she had when she left you.  I wish she had the opportunity to know that you will be safe, warm,  well-fed, nurtured, and loved unconditionally. I bet she can't fathom the courage and feelings I have as I wait for you to be a part of our family!   Both of our lives are going to change so much, bubby.   I can't wait for you to someday learn all about Christ..that way your ETERNAL life will be changed, too.

Just 2 short weeks until I we finally meet each other, little man!  I can't wait!

I love you,
Momma

Letter to Liam- Part 1

Dear Liam,

Hi, sweet boy!   I'm your Momma!   We haven't met yet, but I feel like I'm as prepared as I can be to finally hold you and welcome you into our lives.    You have no idea how long we've been waiting for you!  Some of the days have felt like years.  It been an emotional rollercoaster, for sure.   We've prayed for you for YEARS and once we saw your photo, not a day has gone by without us looking at it and thinking of you.    God had it all planned out...and every single detail of it, to be exact!    It's hard to believe that after 9 months of waiting like any other expecting Mommy, I know that I'll be on an airplane to China in just 2 short weeks to meet you and bring you HOME!  Every minute  in that airplane is a mile closer to you. I hope you feel it in your heart like I do...Mommy is coming to get you! 

So, I bet you have no clue who I am or what on earth you're getting yourself into. You may even wonder about the crazy American family that you're sort of being "thrown" into.    I feel your pain, buddy!  For now, I just want you to know who I am a little bit.  You'll learn more about me as we live and grow together over the years.   Well, first, I want you to know that I've been married for 13 amazing  years to your wonderful Daddy.  (I'll talk about him soon!)    You have 2 big sisters, Madelyn age 11 and Audrey age 8.  Those little girls are just biting at the bit and simply cannot WAIT to be your big sisters!  It's sort of gonna feel like you have 3 mommies watching over you at times when you get here.   So, get ready for lots of lovin'!    As for me, I'm a type-A personality and a master of planning.  That will benefit you in so many ways...I promise!    But on the light side, you need to know that I love to sing, and I've been known to spontaniously break out in dance at any moment. I love flip flops, polka dots, and comfy yoga pants. I like to cook and I love to travel!   I love DisneyWorld (and any good vacations, to be honest) and long for the day when I can hold your hand as we skip down MainStreet USA at the Magic Kingdom together. It's devine! You will LOVE it!    Of course,we have to get  one of those Mickey Mouse ice cream treats for you to enjoy during the parade.    :)   Another thing you may want to know about me is how LOYAL I am.  I won't leave your side....never ever! I'm your Momma now and I always will be.  I am reliable, dependable, and thoughtful.  I'm one of the most goal-oriented determined people I have ever met.  I'm on a mission for you and your sisters!   I put God first, my family second, and my career third.  YOU are a priority, YOU are loved,  and I cannot wait to set eyes on you for the very first time! 

As excited as I am, I'm not gonna lie---I'm just flat-out scared.  I mean,what if you totally hate my guts or are scared out of your mind  and won't even let me hold you?  What if you have more medical problems that they didnt' tell us?  Will you like your home?  Your sisters?   There's so many things to think about!   I pray that you love me  as much as I love you already.  You're one special little guy, Liam.   I know that for a fact.   God has some BIG plans for you, little boy!  :)

In just 1 month from now, you'll be home.  Yes!  Here...in your very own firefighter themed bedroom with your name on the wall,  cuddling with your forever family.  In one month from today, you'll officially be an American citizen!   In one month from today, friends and family will gather at the airport to set eyes on you for the very first time!    You have SOOOO many people here that love you and pray for you already, did you know that?    Hard to believe it's all just around the corner....sort of freaking out that it's really, REALLY finally time to meet you!  

Your daddy is laying next to me as I type this.  He's a full-time professional firefighter and works part-time as a Fire Investigator for a Forensic Engineering Firm.  Basically, he works a lot but is home every nigtht that I  have to work to be with you and the girls.   Oh, son..let me tell you...he's the VERY best daddy a boy could ask for!    He'll hug you, give you high-fives, curl up and fall asleep with you on his chest, tackle you over a light game of tag football, he'll pray with you each night before you fall asleep, and he'll shed many tears over your past.  He's an amazing guy....my very best friend...and he's excied to meet you.  He can't wait until you're ready to come visit his fire station and take a ride on "the big red truck".  He even helped to pick out your first Halloween costume tonight.     He is already so proud of you,his precious son, and he's yearning for the day when he can share Jesus with you, too.      Like I said, he's an incredible Daddy and the very best friend I've ever  had!  I bet you'll think he's pretty cool dude, too.  :)

Today I've been absolutely swamped getting things checked off of my "to-do" list that I'm literally exhausted.  Stay tuned for Part 2 of my  letter where I'll tell you more about your sisters and the amazing friends who have helped bring you home .  For right now, this Momma has to get some sleep while she can.

I love you, Liam!     Night-night, sweet Bubby!  

Love,
Momma

The Countdown Begins!

We are going to China.    *insert deep breath, happy dance, panic attack*   Then repeat.

I've been a very, very bad blogger lately.   So much (great) stuff has been going that I've simply not had much time to sit down and type out my thoughts and feelings.  Besides, my thoughts and feelings change approximately every 16 seconds, so what's the point, right?

We received our travel approval on Monday.    It's basically the formal letter from China officially giving us the "green light" and inviting us to come and get our son.


Our "Official" Letter!

Then just 3 short days later, we booked our airline tickets.   Whooooweeeee!     We are leaving Oct. 4th and will arrive in China on Oct. 5th.    We will meet our son on Mon, Oct. 8th, just 2 days after his 3rd birthday!     We will arrive home sweet home on Fri, Oct. 19th.   If you're doing the math,   that means we're leaving in less than 3 weeks.  Yikes!
Travel guy at the adoption agency said the earliest we would travel to China would be November 1st. HA!    Little did he know that NONE of my kiddos arrive on their "due date". Both of my girls were born a month ahead of time, and our little man is following the Rice family delivery protocol.  

Is this really happening???!!     I have had that deer-in-headlights look for the past few days.   Just when I check off a few items off of my massive to-do list, I add a few more.    So bear with me these days, people.  I have the attention span of a goldfish.

Another thing I realized is that I never really formally posted more about our son's name.   When we got the referral letter, quite frankly, I couldn't pronounce his name.   Liu Nian.   I kept saying it out loud:  Looo-ne-in?   Lou-Neon?  Li-AN?     Hmmm- LIAM????    I like that!   So, I went online to my handy dandy name finder and looked up the name Liam.    Come to find out, Liam is short for WilLIAM.  Who knew?!   I love regal names.  And William is such a timeless classic. Since the orphanage named him (not his birth mom), we really didn't feel the need to keep his Chinese name.  He is becoming a part of our family heritage, so we chose Gentry for his middle name.  That's his daddy's, grandfather, and great-grandfather's middle name!   So, there you have it:   William "Liam" Gentry Rice. 

I pinky-promise that I'll be better with the updates over the next few weeks before we leave!    My goal is to post pictures and daily updates while we're in China.  When we're away, my dear friend Stacy will be my blogger every day if I don't have access to the rest of the world.

As I've read through the ups and downs of this journey, God's hand in all of this is so clear.    I hope that you'll take a look back through those posts and see just how He's worked out every single detail for the good of all involved.   Just like they've always said, hindsight is 20/20.   

Stay tuned!   The fun times are just beginning!